Writing, Film & Art

Letters from Gerald

What will a young woman in post-war London do to seek an identity of adventure? Eleanor Hutchinson’s search is encouraged through an exchange of letters from a mysterious mentor traveling the world in pursuit of birds. Letters from Gerald delves into morality, exclusion, death, and adversity through humor and tragedy. Based on historical events, Letters from Gerald is a fictional account of inner workings of science, the tragedy of loss, and human foibles. Essential reading for anyone interested in British post war history, the science of ornithology, and women’s issues. This is my first novel.   

Early Praise:
The characters are so rich and colourful

Enjoyable and entertaining

This story is a labour of love and one that readers will really enjoy

I couldn’t put it down


Writing

Rob writes books and for scientific journals, newspapers and magazines. His latest book Pacific Flyway with Audrey Benedict and Geoff Hammerson released in 2020 won a Nautilus Book silver medal. Copies are available on line. The Great Blue Heron written in 1997 and cited over 200 times in the scientific literature,  follows herons around the Salish Sea through the year to detail their ecology and behaviour. The Jade Coast written in 2003 summarizes the ecology of the North Pacific Ocean for the layperson. Both of these two books have sold out but a few copies can be found online.

What a wonderful read! A treat for bird lovers, no matter where you are in the world. My favourite thing about this book is that it reminds me just how amazing these creatures are and how much of an honour it is to share the planet with them. It’s very informative and makes you truly appreciate the wonders of bird migration. The images themselves are absolutely breathtaking…  I didn’t spot a single error in the text or the illustrations. It’s a 10 out of 10, in my opinion.”
– BBC Wildlife, June 2020


Film

Mike McKinlay and I produced RETURNING, about my search for people connecting with nature around the Salish Sea. The film has been broadcast on the Knowledge Network and at numerous public gatherings. 


Art

During expeditions and travels, I make pen and ink sketches, and watercolour washes, and in the studio, I paint large pieces some of which find their way into private collections in Canada and abroad. My style arose out of a combination of decades of watching animals and studying the use of colour. Some paintings are accurate depictions typical of scientific treatises, but my real interest is depicting animals in poses that illustrate their nature.

View the Art Gallery